Davis Makerspace (DMS) is a local community workshop group with the aim of providing an open workshop for creative projects, skill sharing and the exchange of ideas. They currently run a shared workshop in downtown Davis, (informally known as Suite 1337). Current members include engineers, programmers, and artists (among other things). Davis Makerspace is currently funded through donations from its own users, and is working through the process of attaining non-profit status.

Suite 1337

The current DMS workshop, a.k.a. Suite 1337, is located in the Tim Spencer Alley, behind Woodstock's Pizza. It is housed in a converted storage unit, and painted a dull green. It can be identified by the 1337 not painted in red on the door. Hackers know 1337 is very Leet. Inside, DMS members have installed a security system, upcycled duel-pane windows, refurbished lockers, worktables and more.

History

DMS started in 2012 under the temporary name Davis Community Workshop. Early meetings were held at Bike Forth, and later moved to the Omsoft facility on 5th street. Its development was more or less grassroots in nature with a loose consensus decision making process. They incorporated in winter of 2012 as part of the non-profit application process, and have been working to gain non-profit status through most of 2013.

DMS scouted many workshop locations throughout 2012, including suites adjacent to Bike Forth and various locations on 2nd Street, Olive Drive, and downtown. In February of 2013, DMS signed a lease for a converted storage unit in Tim Spencer Alley. DMS spent most of spring 2013, cleaning up the facility, setting up Internet, building work benches, acquiring tools, installing security features, and generally turning the space into a functioning workshop. In June, 2013, DMS began holding an informal open house each Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the workshop? Yes! Suite 1337 is available to everyone. Anyone can work on projects in the space or use the DMS shared tools. Open access is currently available on a limited schedule, (mostly weeknights at the moment, see the DMS wiki for a current schedule) Access during non-open hours are also available by appointment. While Suite 1337 is free to everyone, donations are encouraged to help keep the shop afloat.

What kind of cool stuff does Makerspace have? DMS is currently in the process now of building up the suite 1337 tool inventory. At the moment there is a mis-mash of tools, both hand and power. We have two Printerbot 3D printers up and running and 3 more printers currently being assembled. Other tools including drills, a circular saw, a couple reciprocating saws, soldering irons, glue guns, Xacto knives, paint supplies, and more. There are a couple linux machines for open use and wireless Internet access as well.

Can I be involved in the DMS organization? Yes! The best way to get yourself involved with DMS is by attending their monthly meeting (first Monday of each month, usually at 7pm, at Suite 1337). You can also sign up for their group email list Google Group (or send an email to davis-community-workshop+subscribe at googlegroups tinyspeck com if you don’t want to use a google account).